Is It Irrational to Believe in Aliens?

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by Nate Wek on

For many years, people have discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life in the universe. Scientists such as Stephen Hawking have stated the probability of life existing on another planet, other than earth, is favorable... especially when considering the size of the universe.

In 1947, something crash landed near Roswell, New Mexico, which opened up the debate of it being an alien aircraft or UFO. The United States military labeled it as an Air Force surveillance balloon. Conspiracy theories exist that the “weather balloon” claim is simply a cover-up to a bigger, extraterrestrial event.

Area 51, in the southern portion of Nevada, has also been deemed as a location built to hide the government’s research of aliens and UFO’s. The idea of life existing on other planets is not just an idea of the United States, as it is an international topic. Some believe Stonehenge in England or the pyramids of Egypt to be alien constructed too.

In 1938, legendary actor and movie director Orson Welles directed a radio play called “War of the Worlds.” This unique radio skit simulated an attack on American soil by Martian’s from Mars. Because of its controversy in people believing it to be true, it became the most famous radio program in history. It sent the nation into a panic…

Is it rational to assume that life does exist on other planets? Or is it something people desperately want to believe it? PBS Digital Studios explains the possibility of life on other planets through this episode of Space Time.